25 events and things to do in metro Detroit this season to spread some holiday cheer. All photos from Facebook and Instagram.

Friday, 12/2 – Saturday, 12/17 Winter Wonderland @ Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Grosse Pointe’s beautiful Ford House truly comes to life during the holidays, and the Winter Wonderland tour of the estate’s grounds is truly jolly. The mile long stroll will include stunning holiday lights, music, bonfires, play areas for kids, and more. The house will also be open for tours (you’ll want to get a ticket for that in advance though), and will be decorated with Christmas decorations. Also, there will be an “After Hours” event following each Winter Wonderland walk, which will include Short’s Brewing Company craft beers in the beer gardens and performers Olivia Millerschin (America’s Got Talent), Chris Emerson, and Tony Nouhan! Event starts at 5 p.m.; 1100 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Shores; fordhouse.org; Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
Friday, 12/2 – Friday, 12/30 Holiday Nights @ Greenfield Village The Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village are well-known, and with good reason. They’re just the right way to kick off “the most wonderful time of the year.” With ice-skating, live music, fireworks, carolers, reindeer, and the Big Guy himself, it’s a winter wonderland for anyone and everyone to enjoy. Chestnuts will roast, and Model T’s will drive as you make your way through the history and novelty that is Greenfield Village in December. Starts at 6:30 p.m.; 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn; thehenryford.org; Tickets are $26 for adult non-members.
Friday, 12/2 – Sunday, 12/4 Birmingham Christmas Market @ Shain Park If you’re looking for some swanky holiday fun, look no further that the Birmingham Christmas Market! Visitors can enjoy posh European food and drinks, holiday greens, and ice carvings, all while scoping out the vendors’ crafts and such as gifts. There’s going to be plenty of stuff for the kids to do, including the famous Santa House, as well as live reindeer, a Kinderhaus play area, carriage rides, and live performers. It’ll surely get you into the holiday spirit, and you’ll feel pretty fancy. Starts at 3 p.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m.; Shain Park, Birmingham; enjoybirmingham.com.
Saturday, 12/3 Noel Night @ Detroit Historical Museum Holy Cow, Detroit. Noel Night is going to be one of the best Saturdays you’ve had in a long time. There will be carriage rides, shopping, crafts, shopping, dancing, musicians, dance groups, and more special performances. There will be over 200 venues participating, including the DIA, Michigan Science Center, the DSO, and the Detroit Public Library . The night ends with a huge sing-a-long on Woodward led by the Salvation Army. This is a great event for kids from one to ninety-two. Event starts at 5 p.m.; 5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit; noelnight.org; Admission is free.
Sundays, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18; Tuesday, 12/20 Holiday Markets @ Eastern Market It’s that slightly wonderful, slightly awful time of the year where you have to come up with thoughtful gifts, within your budget, for every person close to you. Lucky for you, Eastern Market is here to help. At the Sunday Holiday Market visitors will be able to find plenty of festive food, locally-made gifts, and even the perfect family Christmas tree, all in one place. There is really nothing better than getting all of that menial holiday labor out of the way in one place so that you can actually have a wholesome time with the people you love. Events begin at 10 a.m.; 2934 Russell St., Detroit; easternmarket.com; Admittance is free.
Sunday, 12/4 Elf @ The Michigan Theater If you like to smile, if smiling is your favorite, then you’ll be beaming once you hear about this free showing of Elf! Instantly a Christmas favorite after its 2004 release, Will Ferrell, Bob Newhart, and Zooey Deschanel will make you giggle pretty profusely. It’s not often that you get the chance to see it on the silver screen anymore, so this is the perfect opportunity to take it in at its finest all over again, since it is part of the theater’s Holiday Classic Series. Don’t let any arctic puffins interrupt you while you’re trying to get a group to go! Show starts at 1:30 p.m.; 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; michtheater.org; Admittance is free.
Sunday, 12/4 Holiday Splendor: Trains & Trees @ Cranbrook House & Gardens The Cranbrook House is going to be stuffed with classically decorated trees as well as more modern ones, and there will be train sets galore! Train sets are pretty darn cool to watch, whether you’re a kid or not, and these ones are especially impressive. Additionally, this is a Mittens for Detroit collection site, so while you’re there enjoying the enchanting holiday atmosphere you can also do some good by bringing along new mittens or gloves for kids and adults! The event starts 12 p.m.; 380 Lone Pine Rd., Bloomfield Hills; housegardens.cranbrook.edu; Admission is $20.
Friday, 12/7 Joyeux Noel @ Promenade Bakery Foodies, this one is for you. Promenade Artisan Foods is one of Downriver’s best bakeries, and their specialization in European pastries is too die for. This is exactly why you’re going to want to stop by for their Joyeux Noel celebration. Sweet French delicacies will be there for purchase, and you really haven’t celebrated Christmas if you haven’t done it with macarons and eclairs. The event is going to be trés magnifiqué! Event starts at 7 p.m.; 2627 W. Jefferson Ave., Trenton; facebook.com/promenadeartisanfoods.
Wednesday, 12/7 Polar Beers @ The Detroit Zoo Holiday lights are already great, but they’re even better with Michigan craft beer. Leave the kids at home for this trip to the zoo, where you’re invited to take in over five million LED lights as you imbibe the state’s finest winter brews. You’ll get 12 beer tasting tickets with your admission, but you are able to buy more. You’ll get to walk the half-mile trail and enjoy some pretty nifty animal ice sculptures while the real animals stay toasty! Event starts at 6 p.m.; 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak; detroitzoo.org; Tickets are $40-$60.
Wednesday, 12/7 Good Karma Christmas Holiday Market & Party @ The Loving Touch This holiday market has all of the typical things that every other one has: delicious craft beer, holiday cocktails, Christmas music, holiday treats, and unique goods from local businesses. However, there’s a nice touch to this one that goes right with the Christmas spirit of giving. At this market, you’re asked to bring an unwrapped gift that will go to the Judson Center, which helps children with autism, behavioral health problems, and child disability and welfare services. The whole idea is to do something nice for other and have a great time for yourself too. So, go feel like a good person! Event starts at 6 p.m.; 22634 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; facebook.com/goodkarmaclub; Donations welcome.
Thursday, 12/8 BYOB Christmas Lights Trolley Tour @ HandCrafted This is going to be so much fun. When they sing in Christmas songs about all of the fun stuff to do around the holidays, they must’ve forgotten about this, because this is totally ballad-worthy. The trolley will take guests to the Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo, the Hines Drive Lightfest, Campus Martius, and Lake Shore Drive. Your ticket price also pays for cocoa, soup, s’mores, a souvenir Santa Hat, and so much more of the fun that you’ll have while cruising around Metro Detroit! Event starts at 5 p.m.; 18511 Fort St., Riverview; facebook.com/HandCrafted; Tickets are $65-75.
Friday, 12/9 Yule Ball @ Barnes & Noble 2016 has sucked for a lot of people, but at least it’s been the best year in a long time for Potterheads. With the releases of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the year has had a slew of Harry Potter-themed events. This one is especially magical, though. Everybody who read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix wanted to go to the Yule Ball, which you just knew was better than any prom that your school could’ve thrown at The Rooster Tail. This year, Barnes & Noble locations nationwide will be host their own Yule Balls. You’re invited to throw on your costumes and enjoy a night of dancing, crafts, and more. So, witches and wizards should make sure to apparate to the nearest Barnes & Noble, and muggles should deal with the hassle of traffic to get to this party. Starts at 7 p.m.; all Barnes & Noble locations; facebook.com/Barnes&Noble.
Friday, 12/9 Belle Isle Holiday Stroll @ Belle Isle Conservancy The Dossin Great Lakes Museum, which sits inside of the beautiful Belle Isle Park is hosting this years Belle Isle Holiday Stroll! The event will feature free hot cocoa, cookies, music, and winter-themed crafts. This event is an easy way to get the family outside and active, while enjoying some pretty swell holiday activities. There will be marshmallow roasting on the White House lawn, performances by the Deep River Choir and African Drum and Dance group, mulled cider, dutch girl donuts, and more! Event starts at 4 p.m.; Belle Isle Park; facebook.com/BelleIsleConservancy
Saturday, 12/10 Ugly Sweater Walking Pub Crawl @ Downtown Wyandotte Christmas: It’s a time for eggnog, and family, tree-decorating, and stocking-stuffing. It’s also a time for hideous Christmas sweaters (a lá that elementary school teacher) and, of course, booze. If there’s anything that Wyandotte does well, it’s pub crawls, considering there are plenty of bars in the city to stumble to-and-from. So, pull that hunter green wool sweater with a giant snowman applique and glittery snowflakes out of your dresser drawer and throw it on while you grab your wallet for this great time. Crawl starts at 7 p.m.; Biddle Ave., Wyandotte; facebook.com/WyandotteJaycees.
Saturday, 12/10 2016 Holiday Makers Market @ Ponyride Ponyride, a place for “socially-conscious artists” and makers to produce their work and put their creativity to the test will host the Holiday Makers Market just in time to find some pretty unique gifts for your friends and family. In addition to all of the cool stuff, there’s going to be food and entertainment, and there’s no fee to get in! This is definitely the gift stop to go to for all of your hipster friends! Event starts at 6 p.m.; 1401 Vermont St., Detroit; facebook.com/ponyride.
Saturday, 12/10 Too Hot to Handel @ Detroit Opera House More than 80 musicians, including the Rackham Choir and Too Hot Orchestra led by Suzanne Acton, will bring to life Handel’s Messiah in a way that you’ve never experienced it before. This jazz-gospel interpretation of Handel’s more renowned work will be something that audience members will never forget. This “too hot to miss” show will also feature blues, scat, classical, and swing music, so there’s a little something for everyone! Show starts at 7:30 p.m.; 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; michopera.org. Tickets are $20-$71.
Friday, 12/16 – Sunday, 12/18 Home for the Holidays Pops @ Orchestra Hall If there’s one thing that truly helps to put Christmas into the air, it’s the season’s timeless music. If there’s anything that the Detroit Symphony Orchestra knows how to do, it’s perform wonderful music. That’s why the “Home for the Holidays” Pops Concert is going to be so spectacular. Accompanied by the Grosse Pointe South High School Choirs and the Andover High School Choir, as well as soprano Kisma Jordan, audience members will be whisked away into a blizzard of melodies and Christmas spirit. Shows start 10:45 a.m. – 8 p.m.; 3663 Woodward Ave., Detroit; dso.org; Tickets are $19 – $115. Credit: Detroit Symphony Orchestra / Facebook
Friday, 12/16 – Saturday, 12/17 It’s a Wonderful Life @ The Redford Theatre It’s a Wonderful Life is the ultimate Christmas movie. This year, the film starring Jimmy Stewart as a man at the brink of suicide who is shown what the world would’ve been life if he hadn’t been born by a guardian angel, celebrates its 70th anniversary. Also featuring Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore, watching this film is, for many people, a Christmas ritual. The Redford Theatre has another special announcement for this showing of the Christmas Classic: Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu (the youngest daughter in the film) will be at the theatre for all showings of the film! Showings at 8 p.m. and 2 p.m.; 17360 Lahser Rd., Detroit; redfordtheatre.com; Tickets are $7.
Saturday, 12/17 Santarchy @ Irish-Gaelic League Another great Christmas pub crawl for detroiters to get sloshed at, Santarchy comes with one rule: attendees must be dressed up as the one and only Kris Kringle. Or Saint Nick. Or just plain Santa Claus. Since 2000, Santarchy has been one of Detroit’s best Christmas events! Specific detail on the event are still clouded by mystery, but the website will be updated with more information as the days go on. Event starts at 7 p.m.; 2068 Michigan Ave., Detroit; detroitsantarchy.net; Tickets prices will be announced soon.
Saturday, 12/17 A Cup of Christmas Tea with Mary Jones @ The Whitney Holiday Tea at The Whitney is definitely a holiday staple in Detroit. If you’re one of the many people who just finished up Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, you know that ultimate matriarch Emily Gilmore would so approve of this outing. At this particular tea, patrons will get the typical afternoon tea and luncheon, while experiencing The Whitney’s fantastic Chef Paul’s unique twists on classic dishes. There will be special gifts, live Christmas music, and more. Again, this is another event sure to leave you feeling oh-so-very debonaire. Event starts at 12 p.m.; 4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit; thewhitney.com; Tickets are $50.
Saturday, 12/17 Holiday Hike and Bonfire @ Oakwoods Nature Center As the weather gets increasingly nippy, the chances to go outside and take in nature get slimmer and slimmer. Luckily, the Oakwoods Nature Center has that in mind. On December 17th, visitors have the chance to hike the nature trail with other guests. Once you’re sufficiently hiked out, there will be cookies, cocoa, and a roaring fire to warm up at as you recoup from all of that activity. Event starts at 6 p.m.; 28700 Oakwoods Rd., Flat Rock; metroparks.com; Tickets are $6.
Saturday, 12/17 Holiday Hootenanny 2016 @ Robin Hills Farm Robin Hills Farm, dedicated to sustainable farming, eco-farming, education, and family fun, is hosting their annual Holiday Hootenanny for yet another year. The event will feature a roaring barn dance (and a quick square dancing lesson for beginners). You don’t need a partner or any experience to have a great time dosey-doeing for the holidays. There’s also going to be farm tours, and a Holiday Marketplace to purchase those last minute gifts. Yeehaw! Event starts at 2 p.m.; 20390, Stockbridge, Chelsea Rd., Chelsea; robinhillsfarm.com; Admission is $20 per family, $10 for adults, and $5 for kids three and up.
Sunday, 12/18 Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker @ The Fox Theatre There’s just something about seeing Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, The Nutcracker, performed by classical Russian dancers. Since their first US tour in 1993, the Moscow Ballet has brought the classic story of Herr Drosselmeyer, Maria-Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, and the Land of Sweets to life for American audiences in a way that is incomparable. The show features beautiful sets, intricate costumes, and impeccably graceful dancers. This is a performance that you don’t want to miss. Shows at 12 p.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m.; 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; ticketmaster.com; Tickets $28-$98.
Tuesday, 12/20-Saturday, 12/24 A Christmas Story, The Musical @ The Fox Theatre Everybody knows A Christmas Story. It’s on TBS all Christmas Day, for Christ’s Sake. What people haven’t seen is A Christmas Story, The Musical. It’s the same story of Ralphie, his family, and his desperate longing for his very own Red Ryder BB Gun. There will be major awards, f—- words, and Christmas duck that will delight audience members. You, much like Ralphie’s little brother, will not be able to put your arms down — from clapping! Shows start 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m; 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; olympiaentertainment.com; Tickets are $31.50 – $61.50.
Tuesday, 12/27 Menorah in the ‘D @ Campus Martius Everybody knows about the Campus Martius Tree Lighting, but the Menorah in the ‘D lighting is just as good of a time. The day starts with the Jewish Family Festival, which will feature Hanukkah crafts, fire jugglers, Dance, Dance Revolution, face painting, and the chance to pose with Tigers’ mascot Paws as well as the Dreidel Mascot. Food will be available for purchase from the food court, but hot apple cider and snacks will be served for free! Event starts at 3 p.m.; 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; menorahinthed.com.

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